Mexico Fans Urged to Cast Voodoo Hex on USA

A Mexican newspaper began encouraging soccer fans to cast a voodoo hex on the United States ahead of Wednesday'sWorld Cup qualifier in Columbus, Ohio.

Readers of the Record could trade in coupons for voodoo-dolllikenesses of U.S. players at Blockbuster video stores in MexicoCity on Friday. Fans were instructed to use the doll to wish for aMexico goal.

"Hold a needle firmly between your thumb and index finger andprick slowly the part of the doll where you want to affect theopponent," the instructions say. The back of the doll's jerseyread, "Gringos."

Record calls the dolls Mexico's "secret weapon."

U.S.-based electronics retailer RadioShack dropped out as adistribution partner last week after learning details of thecampaign. But Record managed to find U.S.-based Blockbuster as anew co-sponsor.

Record spokesman Daniel Paz said the promotion was alighthearted attempt at helping Mexico, which hasn't beaten theAmericans on U.S. soil since 1999.

"In soccer, training and practice are what determine theresults. The best team will win," Paz said. "But without anydoubt this little doll can help the good vibes of the Mexican fansto change the history of Mexico and turn things around."

In a Blockbuster to pick up one of the dolls, Mauricio Munozdidn't believe it will have any benefit for Mexico.

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